Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Lusting After: L.L. Bean Black Watch Heritage Wool Duffel Coat

Well, I'm officially done shopping for F/W outwear. It's a wrap. Game over. See ya later. My buddy Gabe alerted me to the coat to end all coats. L.L. Bean's Black Watch Heritage Wool Duffel Coat is perfect - classic outwear silhouette, classic tartan. Hell, the best tartan ever. It's as bold as timeless gets, which as far as I am concerned is the definition of a must have. This is a statement making coat, but that statement won't embarrass you in, let's say, 2 years. The details are standard Bean fare. The wool is of the Italian sourced 18 oz. variety and the jacket comes hooked up with Bean's Thinsulate insulation (as seen in their Bean boots) to keep you extra warm. It's got traditional toggle closure, but also features a zipper (presumably YKK from previous experience) and backer buttons for when the wind really kicks up - that's a heavy dose of function to go with a full house of form. Lots of brands seem to be on the cropped duffel tip these days, but for my money I want a 3/4 length to keep my ass warm - L.L. Bean hits you right above the knee. If you don't trust me on black watch outerwear, and I know a lot of you don't, at least trust one of the greatest to ever do it.

-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: Of course there is always an option for those of you who prefer to keep things stealth.]

30 comments:

All the hidden compartments on the inside are worth the price alone. There is a place for your keys, dime bags, cell phone, condoms, etc. It does run a full size larger than normal though, so keep that in mind before you pull the trigger.

This is about as dope of a coat as I have seen, and for that price, I can't see a reason not to cop it. I was doing a post on essential outerwear today, and this immediately had to make it. Check it out, I'd love to hear what people think.

LAS, the Bean version in tartan is solid but if anyone needs a solid color duffle coat you cant go wrong with a Gloverall. Size down and grab one at STP with whatever 20-25% coupon you can find. I just bought a classic navy one for $150...cant beat that. That said, if I needed another option, Id def buy the tartan.

I have been debating buying this for some time now but im worried about the fit as i have a slim frame. I know tommy has somewhat of a bad rep but this duffle is killer too anyone know about how it might fit in comparison? http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=489983&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

It is a coat, it is supposed to be some spacious on the inside to allow for multiple layers. Unless you plan on wearing only a t-shirt underneath, I dont think there will be a problem. The difference between good fit and bad fit in outwear is small. I would much rather have a slightly larger/roomier coat, than one that I cannot wear over multiple layers, in my opinion. Has anyone actually tried this thing on, or are we all just speculating?

Lawrence - Yeah, I can attest to its slouchy fit. I tried it on last weekend at the Freeport, Maine location. And yes, I was wearing a shawl collar sweater when I tried it on, not a t-shirt.

If you look at the back photo of the jacket, you can actually see how droopy it is from the frame of your body. Another immediate red flag is how it's listed as a "relaxed" fit, which is basically L.L. Bean's way of saying "this jacket is designed for the average overweight American man."

I'd hate to see you go through the effort to purchase it just to find out exactly what I told you. So concerned yourself forewarned, amigo!

I copped a small today. I'm 5'7" and 165lbs. I have a wider back/shoulders so the relaxed fit/sized down should be pretty spot on. I also like to layer in the winter. Should have it by next week. I will do fit pics. I will prove everyone wrong. I will be looking great this fall.

A few years ago, i was on the( slightly obsessive) hunt for a duffel coat and looked at all the options out there. i ended up with the most authentic and the best in quality in my humble opinion. I hate to say it was the made- in-Italy-Ralph Lauren version: Wood and rope closure, extra heavy double faced melton wool, Brass bottoms on the hood for adjusting the opening, 2 bottom throat flap and two outside patch pockets. And I got it on sale at Bergdorf's for 350 bugs, down from 1200!

Add to above: A less expansive option but not less authentic to the RL Duffel is the Gloverall Monty. Same details and the real thing. The LLB is similar to the one Brooks Brothers are selling. Made in china for the masses. I'm sure it keeps you warm, but nothing for stylish purist.